Description of the improved offense (due to changes)

Posted on: February 8, 2022 at 08:47:30 CT

The Tigers have shot an astounding 39.4 percent from 3-point range during the last seven games, elevating their effective-field-goal percentage (54.8%) by nearly 10 percentage points. But, crucially, it’s on lower volume — MU ranks 12th in the SEC — and higher-quality looks, such as skip passes and kickouts off drives to a shooter spotting up on the weak side of the floor. Sure, opponents still default to clogging gaps, but MU still ranks fourth in the SEC for shotmaking, per Shot Quality.


Meanwhile, Martin and his assistants have steadily retooled the offense. Gone are sets triggered by weaves, dribble-handoffs, and chase actions. They’ve kept staples like Gut or horns but tweaked how those are structured. For example, the Tigers didn’t use ghost screens — or screen at all — in Gut, which kept the Aggies from trapping side ball screens. They’ve also incorporated more sets using Brown, DeGray, and Trevon Brazile as playmakers from the elbows and pinch post.

The approach empowers Brown to play from spots he likes, but it incorporates DHOs and, increasingly, more diverse off-ball cuts. Meanwhile, the Tigers selectively play with some pep and attack in transition when the opportunities arise. And quietly, they’re getting more mid-range touches for Amari Davis.